Environment
Illegal, unscientific sand mining in Sutlej basin reaches alarming level, Locals living in panic of floods
SHIMLA- Illegal and unscientific sand mining in the Sutlej River basin in Himachal Pradesh has reached an alarming level despite directions from High Court and criticism from environmentalists and locals. The basin is on the verge of destruction that will attract dreadly environmental hazards. While locals face inconvenience and disappointed from authorities when they seek permission queering sand for their personal use, wealthy and influential people enjoy complete liberty.
Current efforts of the authorities are minimal due to interference of influential people, politicians, and rampant corruption as mining business is involves ridiculous amount of money. Honest mining or police officials who try to follow their duty and take action against mining mafia are instantly transferred instead of being encouraged.
According to a report published in Times of India, mafia has carried out illegal mining up to Satluj River with the depth of 50 to 100 feet and around 600 meter deep pits are already dug. After sand is finished, the mafia is now extracting stone from the river basin. This can cause diversion of the river towards the village during rainy season. Mafia is even threatening the ancient temples that are on the verge of falling down with the extensive digging. Around 600 meters deep pits have already been dug by illegal miners, first they took off entire sand and on finding no more sand they are now digging stones.
Locals alleged that a month back previous SDM Rampur tried to stop the mafia after receiving complaints, but was soon transferred in couple of days.
People of Busher’s Dutt Nagar are now living in fear that water will flood their houses if the mining mafia isn’t stopped. They allege that the illegal business is going on with full cooperation from the administration.
Himachal Pradesh Industry Department claims that 3,875 cases of illegal sand mining have been registered so far. Fines have been imposed in 2,600 cases and over Rs. 2 crore has been collected as fine. Many other cases remains pending due to ongoing trials.
Himachal Watcher had also reported cases of illegal mining in district Shimla after which the Mining Department conducted raids and caught culprits red-handed. However, trivial penalties or cases do not bother the wealthy and influential people patronizing illegal mining and dumping. The nexus between Himachal Pradesh Government’s authorities and mining mafia is openly working for both parties uninterrupted. Though, the authorities assures breakdown on the mafia, the condition is only getting worse.
Also Read/Photos: Blatant illegal mining, dumping on Mashobra-Bekhalti road in broad daylight despite High Court warning
The stretch between Kinnaur and Rampur has witnessed unusually rapid growth of sand mafia during past four years that is now threatening the fragile ecology of Himachal Pradesh.
The locals are in unrest and alleges that illegal miners are getting protection from the mining officers, but the common people are not allowed to quarry sand in their own field for their personal uses like building construction etc. Despite repeated complaints by locals with the mining department, no actions are taken either by police or mining department officials, who are “bribed” by big miners. Rather, they only harass villagers.
Also Read: Round the clock illegal mining in Balh, Dharampur, Pandoh rivulets and Beas riverbed
“The Industry Department is planning stringent norms and to intensify vigilance and raids on illegal sand queering here. The penalty has been increased. A tractor is fined Rs. 4,500, a truck with a capacity seven tonne is fined Rs. 7,000 and a truck with a capacity of more than 10 tonne is fined Rs. 25,000. The increased penalty is helping minimize the illegal sand mining in the region,” Himachal Pradesh Industry Department Director Rajesh Sharma, told ANI
It’s shocking to witness such non-governance from the elected government. Instead, government authorities are making hay while the sun shines over sand/stone mafia in Himachal. What the corrupt government officials and illegal miners are not aware of is the environmental catastrophe they are inviting to their own home.
Environment
Shimla: Retaining Wall Collapses During Four-Lane Construction, Residents Flee Homes to Save Lives
SHIMLA | 3 July 2025 –A major mishap occurred in the Lindi Dhar village of Shimla district during the ongoing four-lane highway construction, raising fresh concerns over safety and construction quality. A retaining wall, constructed as part of the project, collapsed once again—posing a serious threat to nearby homes and destroying hundreds of apple trees.
According to local residents, this is not the first time the wall has caved in. Despite previous incidents, authorities failed to take adequate corrective measures. The latest collapse forced several families to abandon their homes for safety, fearing further landslides and structural damage.
Villagers have accused the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractors of negligence. They allege that no proper safety precautions were taken in the construction process, even though the area is known to be vulnerable to landslides.
“This wall had collapsed earlier too, but no permanent solution was provided. Now, we are facing the same threat again. Our lives and properties are at constant risk,” said a local resident.
The landslide also damaged a large number of apple orchards—adding to the losses of local farmers who depend on horticulture for their livelihood.
Residents have demanded immediate intervention from the administration and strict action against those responsible for the substandard construction. They have also urged NHAI to put in place robust safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Local officials have visited the site, and further assessment is awaited.
Environment
Police Complaint Alleges Criminal Negligence in Four-Lane Highway Project Between Parwanoo and Solan
Solan | 30 June 2025 – A police complaint has been filed at the Parwanoo Police Station in Solan district, alleging criminal negligence and environmental damage in the construction of the four-lane highway between Parwanoo and Solan. The complaint, submitted by former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Tikender Singh Panwar, accuses the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its executing contractor, G R Infraprojects Limited, of serious lapses that have endangered lives, property, and the natural ecosystem.
According to the complaint, NHAI officials based at the Chakkar office in Shimla, along with planning teams at Rishikesh Sadan, Shanti Kutia, and the executing agency G R Infra, with its corporate office in Sector 18, Gurugram, failed in their duty to ensure minimal damage to the hilly terrain. It is alleged that the project was undertaken without proper consultation with the Geological Department, resulting in a project report that is “completely erroneous.”
Panwar contends that the design and method of slope cutting are fundamentally flawed, driven by ill-conceived ideas and profit motives.
“Instead of cutting the hills at a slope, the excavation has been done vertically,” the complaint states, warning that this approach poses a permanent threat to residents living near the construction site.
The complaint further highlights that since the beginning of the construction, there have been recurring losses of life and property, which the complainant attributes directly to unsafe and irresponsible construction practices.
Significantly, the complaint raises concerns about possible collusion between NHAI and GR Infra, and urges law enforcement to determine whether the negligence was circumstantial or the result of deliberate wrongdoing.
Panwar has demanded that both NHAI and G R Infraprojects Limited be held criminally liable and subjected to legal proceedings under relevant provisions.
As of now, neither NHAI nor G R Infra has issued an official response.
Environment
Himachal Bans Small PET Bottle, Rs 5,000 Fine on Littering of Single-Use Plastics, Compostable Bags
Shimla, May 27, 2025 – Small PET bottles (up to 500 ml) are littering Himachal Pradesh’s hills, forests, and water bodies, threatening its fragile ecosystem.
Ban on Small PET Bottles
Under the HP Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, the state has banned these bottles in all government-organized indoor meetings, conferences, and events, effective June 1, 2025.
Impact on Hotels
The ban extends to HPTDC and private hotels, which must switch to glass bottles or steel water dispensers. A grace period allows clearing existing stocks to avoid financial losses.
Fines for Littering
A Rs 5,000 fine targets littering of single-use plastics, including compostable bags, by individuals, hotels, restaurants, and other institutions.
Mandatory Car Bins
From April 29, 2025, all taxis and public transport vehicles, including HRTC buses, must install ‘car bins’ for waste collection.
Enforcement Measures
Regional Transport Officers and Motor Vehicle Inspectors will verify bins during vehicle registration. Non-compliance incurs a Rs 10,000 fine, with Rs 1,500 for littering biodegradable waste.
Awareness Campaigns
Government bodies will conduct awareness campaigns to discourage small PET bottle use and promote sustainable practices.
Challenges
Himachal’s ban on small PET bottles and vehicle littering targets plastic pollution but faces challenges. Past bans faltered due to weak enforcement, especially in rural and tourist areas.
Small businesses may struggle with costly alternatives like glass or steel containers. Tourists, a major litter source, need better awareness. The car bin mandate requires rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance. Without robust recycling systems and public cooperation, the ban risks limited impact. Subsidizing eco-friendly options and strengthening enforcement are critical to protect Himachal’s ecosystem effectively.
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